Racing: Singapore Sling for Calder

One of New Zealand's leading riders, Andrew Calder, is re-locating to Singapore.

Calder leaves on a six-month contract after eight rides on Kelt Capital Stakes day on Saturday.

With 104 winners, the Cambridge-based jockey finished second on the New Zealand riders' premiership last season behind Lisa Cropp (146).

His only previous overseas experience was six weeks with topline Sydney trainer Gerald Ryan.

Calder's licence with the Singapore Turf Club is as a freelance rider with no firm attachment to a particular stable, although he has already spoken to ex-pat trainers Laurie Laxon and Stephen Gray.

The attraction of the Singapore contract for Calder is self-improvement.

"I feel I'm in a comfort zone in New Zealand.

"The only way I'm going to improve from this point is riding in a tough, very competitive arena.

"This could be a stepping stone to somewhere else."

Among Calder's rides on Saturday are Shamrock Star in the $1 million Kelt Capital Stakes, Dezigna in the sprint, Art Link in the secondary stayers' event and the well-fancied Kay's Awake in a 1200m race early on the card.